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Allergies

Allergies

Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction that affects the mucous membrane inside the nose. The mucous membrane is the tissue that produces mucus.

There are two types of allergic rhinitis:

  • Seasonal. This type is also called hay fever and happens only during certain seasons of the year.

  • Perennial. This type can happen at any time of the year.

Allergic rhinitis cannot be spread from person to person. This condition can be mild, bad, or very bad. It can develop at any age and may be outgrown.

Causes

  • This condition is caused by allergens. These are things that can cause an allergic reaction. Allergens may differ for seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis.

  • Seasonal allergic rhinitis is caused by pollen. Pollen can come from grasses, trees, or weeds.

  • Perennial allergic rhinitis may be caused by:

  • Dust mites.

  • Proteins in a pet's pee (urine), saliva, or dander. Dander is dead skin cells from a pet.

  • Remains of or waste from insects such as cockroaches.

  • Mold.

What are the symptoms?

  • The main symptom of this condition is a runny nose or stuffy nose (nasal congestion). Other symptoms include:

  • Sneezing or coughing.

  • A feeling of mucus dripping down the back of the throat (postnasal drip). This may cause a sore throat.

  • Itchy nose, or itchy or watery mouth, ears, or eyes.

  • Trouble sleeping, or dark circles or creases under the eyes.

  • Nosebleeds.

  • Chronic ear infections.

  • A line or crease across the bridge of the nose from wiping or scratching the nose often.

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